Theoretical and Practical Issues of Hydrocarbon Biological Oxidation by Microorganisms A. V. Bryanskaya, Yu. E. Uvarova, N. M. Slynko, E. A. Demidov, A. S. Rozanov, and S. E. Peltek

This study is focused on the theoretical issues of biological oxidation of oil hydrocarbons varying from alkanes to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The biochemical mechanisms of the decomposition of the oil components are shown, as well as the review of data represented in the conventional data bases. The results of the microbial community studies, inhabiting the natural oil seeps of the Uzon caldera, are described in detail. It is the first study of the ecophysiological characteristics of oildegrading microorganisms isolated from the thermal oil seeps of the caldera.